How Long Does Highlighter Last? Storage, Expiry, Pros, And Cons

How long does highlighter last? Makeup highlighter is a type of makeup product that reflects light and is often used to make different features on your face stand out.

Typically, it’s used on the highest points of the face or other parts of the body to brighten the skin creating the perception of depth and angles.

So, how long does highlighter makeup last?

Make-up highlighter is safe to keep stashed in your makeup bag for up to 12 months.

To enjoy your makeup highlighters to the fullest, make sure you properly care for them by storing them in a cool dry location and most important avoid dropping them carelessly.

Recommendation:

How Long Does Highlighter Glow Water Last?

Depending on the kind of highlighter used and how much water you use, highlighter glow water can keep up to 2 weeks.

Why Do Highlighters Run Out So Fast?

The reasons your highlighter might run out so fast are:

Too many usages: the amount you use and how many times you use the highlighter will determine if it will last long or not.

Left open or unused for a long time: if you form the habit of always leaving your makeup open after use, then get ready to be replacing them more often than you should.

Dropping it: if you happen to drop your highlighter badly, then be rest assured that you will waste a certain amount of the highlighter.

How Long Does A Yellow Highlighter Last?

Well, it depends on the brand you bought and the frequency of use,

But on average, highlighters can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on how well they are cared for.

How Long Do Highlighters Last Unopened?

Highlighters will last 2 to 3 years if left unopened, properly sealed, and stored at normal temperatures.

How Long Does Powder Highlighter Last?

Powder highlighters will last anywhere from 12 months up to 24 months,

This is due to the fact that they do not contain water, so it’s harder for bacteria to thrive.

How Long Does Highlighter Hair Dye Last?

In an average hair, highlighter hair dye can last between two to three months.

But, depending on several factors, such as your hair texture, your hair care routine, how healthy or damaged your hair is,

How the highlights are done, and so on can cause this timeframe to vary

Does Highlighter Expire?

Yes, highlighters do expire and the recommended time to keep them is between 6 months to a year.

For those looking to invest in high-quality highlighters that offer a radiant glow and longevity, exploring a curated selection of face highlighters could enhance your makeup routine significantly. These products are designed to provide that perfect shimmer and highlight to your facial features, making them an essential tool for both daily wear and special occasions.

10 Best Alternatives For Highlighter

1. Eyeshadow:

A lot of eyeshadow palettes will often contain subtle glitter or shimmer eye shadows very similar to your usual trusty powder.

Sweep it across your brow bone, reaching above your eyelid and the tops of the cheeks, too.

2. Vaseline:

rub a drop between your fingertips before lightly pressing it onto the skin after makeup for Dewy and fresh-looking skin.

It also gives the skin a little more protection from cold temperatures.

3. Lip gloss:

a clear gloss will give you a similar wet and shiny look. Press it on your finger then lightly dab it across your cheekbones.

4. Loose Glitter:

lightly dab some vaseline along your cheekbones to add your dewy complexion then dust some glitter on top.

5. Concealer

Apply your concealer just after your foundation as you should,

But extend it to your cheeks, oop a little on the cupid’s bow, and add an extra dab to the inner corner of your eyes for good measure.

This will create some natural-looking light and shade.

6. An Illuminating or Radiance Primer:

Bobbi Brown’s Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm and Both Mac’s Strobe Cream are the best radiance primers that can be used as the finishing, a prep-step as well a shimmery touch.

Just gently press it on top of the areas you want to shine.

Recommendation:

7. Shimmer Body Bar:

the shimmer body bar is one of my favorites LUSH products that can easily be translated onto the face for highlighting reasons.

8. Shimmer Lipstick:

just like you can use your red lipstick as a blush, your shimmery lipstick can also double as a highlighter.

9. Glitter Lip Smacker:

put your glitter lip smacker to use and rub it on your face to highlight your best features.

10. Glitter Hair Spray:

spraying glittery hairspray on your makeup does not only highlight your features,

It also helps set and stop your facial sweat. This is an old drag queen makeup hack.

Can You Use Expired Highlighter?

Expired highlighter shouldn’t be used because they can dry out and become compacted, rendering them unable to work,

Even if it hasn’t been used yet but is past its labeled expiration date.

The components of the highlighter can separate and it can change in consistency, color, or smell.

Opened and used highlighters can also harbor harmful bacteria once it expires.

Best Types of Highlighter

1. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter (Best powder highlighter)

This slow-baked powder highlighter specifically in a rose gold shade dubbed “Soft & Gentle has been winning all of our hearts for years now

With its unique formula that ensures silky smooth application and radiant strobe finish.

2. Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette (Best multi-color highlighter palette)

Coming from the iconic Dior Backstage collection, this palette needs no introduction.

Ever since it first launched, it is and remains to be a go-to and cult favorite for most beauty enthusiasts.

It features 4 pigmented and pearlescent shades, making it the perfect highlighter for all skin tones.

You can also use the brown shade as a bronzer and the rosy shade will make a cute blusher.

3. Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Highlighting Powder (Best highlighter for a subtle glow)

It has been consistently praised for its super creamy formula making it incredibly easy to apply.

An absolute favorite among makeup artists and great if you are after a highlighting powder that won’t emphasize texture.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand (Best cream highlighter)

Charlotte Tilbury has turned into a TikTok sensation after having gone viral.

It is an ultra-finely milled highlighter that delivers a stunning glow and will instantly make your complexion appear dewier and healthy-looking, regardless of skin type.

5. Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (Best liquid highlighter)

This Rare Beauty liquid highlighter is both long-lasting and lightweight,

Resulting in a gorgeous luminous finish that is bound to work on all complexions.

6. Glossier Haloscope (Best highlighter stick)

Glossier has actual crystal extracts infused into its formula and it also features vitamin-rich skincare ingredients to keep your skin moisturized and nice throughout the day.

7. Sleek MakeUP Highlighting Palette (Best affordable highlighter)

With this versatile and affordable highlighter palette that contains three velvet cream formulas as well as one powder,

You can create a seriously sculpted glow without breaking the bank.

It is also designed to eliminate any unwanted oily shine while giving the face the glow it deserves.

8. ICONIC London Illuminator (Best highlighter for a wet-look glow)

This product features a gleaming metallic formula that glides onto the skin.

It comes in a variety of shades to complement all skin tones and can be mixed with foundation, primer, or moisturizer to create a customizable glow.

9. Huda Beauty Glow Obsessions (Best highlighter for a radiant glow)

This glowy highlighter by Huda Beauty has a creamy yet lightweight texture that blends out to create a dewy shimmer that accentuates your key features and is effortlessly easy to use.

Each shade in the pallet is also infused with vitamin E, giving them antioxidant properties.

10. Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter (Best highlighter for dark skin tones)

Fenty Beauty comes out with a new long-lasting, weightless formula for its best cream-powder highlighter.

Each shade looks amazing on everyone, most especially on people with darker skin tones.

Overall, the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is buildable, incredibly easy to use, melts instantly into your skin, and blends effortlessly.

Can You Revive A Highlighter?

Yes, you can revive your crumbed powder highlighter in two ways.

The first and simplest way is to break it up even further and put it into a container and use it as a loose powder.

The second way and best method are to get as many of the broken pieces back into the original container as possible.

Then crush up the chunks with a toothpick as much as possible (the finer the product is, the better).

Finally, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol over the top of the product and then smooth it out by hand or with a flat tool (probably a spoon).

Ensure that it is pressed nicely into the container to prevent new cracks from forming.

It dries quickly, but you can leave it for several hours to ensure it comes together properly.

How To Tell If Highlighter Is Bad

Your highlighter will contain an expiration date on the packaging to tell you when it expires even if it remains unopened and unused.

If the product is opened, you can pay attention to smell, texture, and color to know if it has gone off.

How To Make Highlighter Last Longer

The best way to keep your highlighter is to keep it in your drawer, this way it will be away from moisture, and heat which can cause it to go out of date easily.